'I'm passing this baby off!' - USWNT star Crystal Dunn praises teammates for helping look after son as winger reveals how 'family' influenced NJ/NY Gotham transfer decision

Dunn joined CBS Mornings alongside new club teammate Tierna Davidson, whom she won the 2019 World Cup with, to speak about the decision-making process this offseason regarding her move to Gotham FC. The USWNT star revealed that 'family' was they key reason behind the move, but praised her teammates in Portland and on the international stage prior for helping her raise her child while still being a footballer.

"Yeah, I mean, New York is home for me, I'm from Long Island. I have a young son. You know, I think when I stepped into free agency it wasn't solely about me and what I wanted, it was about what is best for my family. And I think that is something new. I've played on four different professional teams and every time I make a change, it's for a specific reason. And this one was family. You know, being back home and as T [Tierna Davidson] touched on, we're gonna be surrounded by so many great players and why not try to chase Championships along with being home?"

"Yeah, especially as women. You know, I feel like for us, it's like, it was almost like a taboo of like, ‘Oh, you want to continue playing soccer while being a mom?’-- and I'm like, yeah… yeah, I can do it. So I'm going to try it and I was surrounded by a lot of support. So to me, it was like, you know, it takes a village to really raise a kid and to really feel like you can be your best self. I'd be lying if I said that I'm here today because it was just solely me, like, I have an amazing husband, I have a lot of teammates that I mean, T [Tierna Davidson] knows I'm like passing this baby off - so it's like you really need everybody around and it's been a really great journey."

Now officially a Bat, Dunn will get to work with Gotham soon, looking to win them back-to-back NWSL championships. The 31-year-old has the pedigree of a champion, bringing with her three NWSL championships herself along with a plethora of international trophies. With the NJ/NY-based side, Dunn has the opportunity to continue winning championships while returning to home to Long Island, New York.

Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros will immediately want to get Dunn introduced to their system, their staff and her new teammates so the Bats can begin their campaign on a high note. The 2024 NWSL season kicks off on March 16, and preseason is just around the corner.